Change How You Feel
Feelings arise from thoughts. To change your emotions, change your thinking. To change your thinking, know the Bible.
When I was a new Christian, I remember an illustration about feelings. It was a picture of a train: The engine was the Word of God, pulling a car labeled “thinking,” pulling a third car, labeled “feeling.” The point was to saturate yourself with the Bible, and conform your thinking to what God says. Feelings then follow.
We have all seen people who run away with their “feelings.” The recent, horrible event at the Kansas City Superbowl celebration apparently started with someone who didn’t like how someone else was looking at them. Wow.
What to do
Immerse ourselves in the Bible. Study daily. Memorize. Ponder. Repeat His word throughout the day. Keep God in mind. Preach God’s word to yourself.
Work to conform our thinking to the Bible. Work to interpret what we see and experience though the light of God.
Challenge our feelings. Does this feeling conform to what the Bible says?
Examples
When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:26–27)
The disciples’ fear was challenged by Jesus’ presence.
Do not be afraid any longer, only believe. (Mark 5:36)
Belief conquers fear.
Easier Said Than Done
This, of course, is easier said than done, and requires prayer, discipline, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (Titus 3:5)
Pray
Father, please help me, help us, conform our thinking and feeling to Your word. Help us live our lives in Your light. In Jesus’ name we pray.
